Flash-mob threat forces shutdown of LOVE Park

By PHILLIP LUCAS, lucasp@phillynews.com 215-854-4431

Police shut down LOVE Park yesterday afternoon after 10 to 15 teens were arrested for disorderly conduct and rumors spread that flash mobs were set to form.

Officers stood guard at the entrances, telling passers-by not to enter the park. The park was shut down from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., said Lt. D.F. Pace, of Center City's 9th Police District.

"We keep tabs on Internet chatter - especially these social-networking sites - and we received credible information that flash-mob activity was going to form here," Pace said.

He pulled a flier out of his coat pocket advertising an organized meeting, and said police were looking to prevent property damage and violence.

As the city enjoyed the warmest night of the year, police stood guard across Center City to keep roving groups of teens in check.The beefed up police presence came one night after groups of teens again made headlines in Center City. On Thursday night, a huge fight broke out at the H&M clothing store on 16th and Chestnut streets, resulting in the arrest of a 17-year-old girl.

About 5 p.m. at 16th and Chestnut streets yesterday, two police officers stood across from the H&M store, watching as large crowds of teens milled about.